The city of Newberg and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue have entered into a two-year agreement starting July 1, 2016, strengthening emergency response in Newberg and the surrounding area. View map.What prompted Newberg to approach TVF&R for contracted service?Newberg faces current and future funding limitations, which have made it difficult to provide adequate fire department staffing, maintain equipment and comply with nationally recommended standards, particularly with increases in demands for service.

For several months, the city of Newberg and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue have undertaken a discovery process to see whether a partnership would prove a good fit for both organizations. On March 7, 2016, the Newberg City Council decided to take the next step of approving a functional consolidation contract.
What does the contract provide?

More Staffing – Despite a 42 percent increase in service demands since 2006, no firefighters nor staff have been added to the fire department. The contract provides for additional firefighters to improve coverage and response. All Newberg Firefighters have been hired by TVF&R.

Improved Apparatus – The city will receive an updated ladder truck, and TVF&R will replace two ambulances. TVF&R will also provide vehicle maintenance.

Ongoing Training – Newberg firefighters will have increased time and resources for critical skills training in advanced life support (EMS), structural fire suppression and wildland firefighting.

Community Service – TVF&R and Newberg’s Fire/EMS staff will work together to preserve the fire department’s sense of history and community engagement.

How does this contract affect Newberg Rural Fire Protection District? TVF&R will extend service to Newberg Rural Fire Protection District during the functional consolidation contract through an existing contract with the city of Newberg.

What’s next? The contract is not a long-term solution. An intergovernmental council will be created comprised of Newberg city councilors, the Newberg city manager, TVF&R’s citizen-elected board members and TVF&R’s fire chief. They will monitor the progress of the partnership and provide recommendations for a prospective annexation that would be decided by voters in Newberg.

Newberg FireMed InformationYou can enroll or renew your Newberg FireMed membership. This program protects you from the high cost of ambulance service by avoiding out-of-pocket expenses. For $52 per year, your entire family is covered. Life Flight coverage is also available when you enroll in our FireMedPlus program. For more information about Newberg FireMed and FireMedPlus, click here or call 503-259-1125. You can download an enrollment form here.